The nurse has just completed a lymph node assessment on a healthy 40-year-old female patient. Which of the following is an expected finding?

A. Peripheral vascular disease involves issues with blood flow to the extremities but does not typically present with jugular vein distension or a gallop heart sound.
B. Fluid and electrolyte disturbances may affect heart rhythm and fluid balance but are less likely to present with these specific findings.
C. Heart failure is the most likely cause, as jugular vein distension and a third heart sound (S3 gallop) are common signs of heart failure, particularly when the heart cannot effectively pump blood.
D. Atrial-septal defect may cause heart murmurs or irregular rhythms but is not typically associated with jugular vein distension or an S3 gallop.

A. Assess the forearm and hand for infection would be relevant if the swollen lymph node were in the upper extremity, but the inguinal node would be more associated with a lower extremity infection.
B. Assess the lower extremities is the correct next step since the inguinal lymph nodes drain the lower body, including the legs and genital area.
C. Assess the dorsalis pedis pulses is not the next step, though it may be important if vascular concerns are suspected.
D. None of the above is incorrect because assessing the lower extremities is the next logical step.